VWSD claims financial health despite budgeting shortfall

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Vicksburg Warren School District has released a statement following the Public Budget Hearing held Tuesday, June 16.

The hearing was called after VWSD Superintendent Dr. Tori Holloway approached the Warren County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, May 26 to inform the county leaders the school district was expected to have a budging shortfall of $1 million. Later at a VWSD Board of Trustees meeting it was said the budget would be short anywhere from $1M to $2M. The Board stated they were prepared to admit the shortfall in the Public Budget Hearing.

The Mississippi Department of Education has reported VWSD is on probation for late audits, faulty financial reporting and poor fiscal management. It found the district had balance funds that were improperly stated.

Following the hearing, VWSD released the following statement:

“The Vicksburg Warren School District is taking proactive steps to address projected budget challenges while maintaining its commitment to students, staff and taxpayers. As the cost of running schools continues to rise, recent financial projections indicate the district could face a budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year as a result of decreased funding and revenue. While these projections are estimates often subject to change, district leaders believe it is important to begin planning now rather than waiting until financial pressures become significant.

The district recently issued a shortfall notice related to projected ad valorem revenue collections. At the same time, district administrators are looking closely at the district’s finances over the next several years to make sure VWSD stays financially stable. Despite these challenges, VWSD continues to maintain a healthy fund balance and remains in a strong position to manage its financial obligations responsibly.

As part of its planning process, the district is identifying opportunities to reduce expenditures and eliminate costs across district operations, the same kind of careful planning families do in their own households when costs go up. These efforts are intended to protect classrooms as much as possible while keeping the district on solid financial footing.

By taking proactive steps now, the district can continue providing high-quality educational opportunities for students while protecting its long-term financial health. District leaders will continue reviewing financial projections and evaluating available options throughout the budget development process. Additional information will be shared with employees, families and the community as decisions are made.”

The district remains on probation with the the state’s department of education and continue to face a number of complaints from both employees of the district and community members.